THE ANTHROPOMORPHISM OF GOD AND THE MIMICRY OF AI IN THE CHANGING WORLD

Abstract

This study examines the influence of anthropomorphism, defined as the attribution of human

traits to non-human entities, on religious conceptions of God and on the design, perception,

and ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI). The research employs an

interdisciplinary theoretical framework, synthesizing projection theory, symbolic

interactionism, relational theology, cognitive science of religion, philosophy of technology, and

ethical critique to provide a comprehensive analysis of the intersections and divergences

between divine anthropomorphism and AI mimicry. The study reviews the historical and

theological foundations, demonstrating that religious traditions have employed

anthropomorphic language to render the divine more accessible and relatable. It also examines

how contemporary AI systems are designed to simulate human and God-like attributes,

including omniscience, relational presence, and authority, which leads users to ascribe trust,

agency, and moral significance to machines. By comparing these domains, the research

identifies how AI's mimicry of humanity and divinity challenges established boundaries

between personhood, agency, and technology. The paper concludes by outlining key epistemic,

ethical, and societal implications, including risks such as misplaced trust, spiritual abdication,

and diminished human agency. The findings underscore the need for critical reflection,

transparency, and responsible engagement at the intersection of theology, technology, and

society in a world shaped by both religious concepts and technological innovation.